Why differential of e^x is special?

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    Differential E^x
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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the uniqueness of the derivative of the exponential function \( e^x \) compared to other exponential functions \( b^x \), where \( b \) is a positive base. Participants explore the mathematical properties and implications of these derivatives, questioning why \( e^x \) holds a special status in calculus.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that the derivative of \( e^x \) is \( e^x \), questioning what makes this property special compared to \( b^x \).
  • One participant states that the derivative of \( b^x \) is given by \( \frac{db^x}{dx} = \log_e(b) b^x \), indicating that this does not equal \( b^x \) unless \( b = e \).
  • Another participant suggests that viewing differentiation as an operation in a function space reveals that \( e^x \) acts as a neutral element for this operation.
  • A participant clarifies that the inquiry pertains to the derivative of \( e^x \), not the differential, highlighting a distinction in terminology.
  • One participant proposes that the functions satisfying \( \frac{d}{dx}f(x) = f(x) \) are of the form \( x \mapsto c \cdot e^x \), with \( e^x \) being the specific solution that meets the condition \( f(0) = 1 \).
  • It is noted that both \( e^x \) and \( b^x \) satisfy the property \( g(x+y) = g(x) + g(y) \), but the derivatives differ unless the base is \( e \).

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the implications of the derivative properties of \( e^x \) versus \( b^x \). There is no consensus on the significance of these differences, and the discussion remains unresolved regarding the broader implications of these mathematical properties.

Contextual Notes

Some participants point out the need for clarity in terminology, specifically distinguishing between the derivative and the differential. The discussion also touches on the conditions under which certain properties hold, such as the base being \( e \) for the unique derivative property.

fission
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I learned that differential of e^x is same but what's so special about it? What makes is so special as it seems like a normal function to me other than the fact that e= sum of series of reciprocal of factorial numbers. What i want to ask is if e^x differential is e^x then do this rule apply to b^x too? Where b is a positive base. Why or why not?
 
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fission said:
I learned that differential of e^x is same but what's so special about it? What makes is so special as it seems like a normal function to me other than the fact that e= sum of series of reciprocal of factorial numbers. What i want to ask is if e^x differential is e^x then do this rule apply to b^x too? Where b is a positive base. Why or why not?

No ##\frac{db^x}{dx} = \log_e (b) b^x##.
So we get the desired formula when ##b = e##

When you would look at differentiation as an operation in a function space , ##e^x## would be a neutral element for this operation.
 
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fission said:
I learned that differential of e^x is same but what's so special about it? What makes is so special as it seems like a normal function to me other than the fact that e= sum of series of reciprocal of factorial numbers. What i want to ask is if e^x differential is e^x then do this rule apply to b^x too? Where b is a positive base. Why or why not?
Actually, what you're asking about is the derivative of ex, not the differential of ex.
 
fission said:
I learned that differential of e^x is same but what's so special about it? What makes is so special as it seems like a normal function to me other than the fact that e= sum of series of reciprocal of factorial numbers. What i want to ask is if e^x differential is e^x then do this rule apply to b^x too? Where b is a positive base. Why or why not?
One can ask which functions ##f : \mathbb{R} \longrightarrow \mathbb{R}## satisfy ##\frac{d}{dx}f(x) = f(x)##. The solution is ##x \mapsto c \cdot e^x##.
So ##x \mapsto e^x## is the solution that additionally satisfies the condition ##f(0) = 1##.
This is one way to define the exponential function.

Others are a limit or a version of the series you mentioned.

As you also mentioned ##g(x) = b^x##, there is one thing they have in common: both satisfy ##g(x+y) = g(x) + g(y)##.
But as @Math_QED has said, ##\frac{d}{dx} g(x) = \log(b) \cdot g(x) \neq g(x)## if the basis isn't ##e##.
 

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